A Scottish tech start-up is hoping to tackle what's become a huge problem for Scotland over the past few years outwith the pandemic - overcrowding at popular beauty spots.
Aiming to address issues that have generated negative headlines in recent years such as traffic jams, overflowing bins, inappropriate camping and fires, and disruption to local residents, the new tech will create a real-time map which shows which areas are busy.
Using data from sensors to create a better visitor experience, Whereverly, one of many companies in Scotland’s burgeoning travel tech scene is working with Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park, Stirling Council and Perth & Kinross Council to create the new platform.
These nudges could be communicated to visitors via an app, automated social media feeds and variable message road signs.
The project was prompted by the pandemic, which caused many more people to explore the natural environment on their doorstep.
Whereverly’s technology, which aims to give visitors a stress-free experience, could be rolled out to other tourism hotspots.
Iain McNeill from Whereverly said: "It’s great that many more people are exploring the natural environment closer to home but it is putting areas such as Loch Lomond and Loch Tay under strain.
“In developing our product, we have already spoken to a range of users of the national park. Even regular motorhome users were surprised to see the alternative locations that exist within the park, so in future, they don’t have to go to the same crowded spots.
“This is about giving people information to make informed choices, so we can continue to enjoy a booming visitor economy but more evenly spread.”
Josh Ryan-Saha, director of TravelTech for Scotland, a University of Edinburgh-based project supporting the booming sector, said: "By combining data from sensors with human input from workers on the ground and applying an algorithm we could see an end to the kind of overtourism that has given Scotland a real headache in recent years.
“Traveltech is all about improving the quality of experien'ce, and it’s exciting that some of the most innovative work in this area is happening right here across Scotland."
Matt Buckland of Loch Lomond and the Trossachs National Park Authority added: "Our visitors having access to up-to-date information to allow them to make informed decisions before starting their journey can help to alleviate these issues.
"Working with Whereverly and the other partners is an exciting opportunity to introduce a smarter way of managing visitors to Scotland’s beautiful landscape to ensure it can remain special for those who live and work in these areas and the tourists themselves."
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